Are you ready for some iPhone 3G tethering, that is, being able to connect your laptop to the Internet by using the iPhone’s 3G network? Sure is useful when you’re at a café or whatever that, shockingly, doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Moving on. Some details have leaked to MacBlogz regarding AT&T’s plans for iPhone tethering. The big news, I’d say, is that AT&T plans to limit data consumption to 5GB per month—go over that and you’re paying through the nose. (Those of you who need more than 5GB of 3G connectivity will be encouraged to purchase one of those wireless cards, which will no doubt be all over CES in January.)
The second bit of news is that AT&T plans to charge an additional $30 per month for iPhone tethering. So, if you’re paying $80 per month for your iPhone 3G, you’ll be paying at least $110 if you want a tethering plan. Keep in mind that AT&T may well release new iPhone 3G plans with tethering built into your monthly bill—maybe you’ll save a few dollars that way?
Now, none of this has any release date whatsoever; AT&T is a fickle, fussy nut to crack. Then there’s the fact that AT&T’s 3G networks might not be robust enough for millions of people to cruise YouTube or other bandwidth-heavy sites.
“Those of you who need more than 5GB of 3G connectivity will be encouraged to purchase one of those wireless cards, ”
The wireless cards also have a 5GB data per month limit.
I think that a card is better. I need to talk while I am using my laptop, I don’t want to waste battery, etc. I have an iPhone and an AirCard 880E and I am very pleased with the compbination.
my comments at http://www.commentino.com/orim
Feh
AT&T can suck my tether. How fucking dare they! I already pay for that god dam data and how I use it is none of their buisness! I will not be required to pay for it twice. Jail breaking here I come.
I already have a Sprint AirCard that works great, much faster than AT&T but I was considering dropping it to just use my iPhone since I don’t need it very often. However, if it really is $30 MORE a month then forget it, that’s a total ripoff and I’ll be happy keeping my Sprint AirCard. Make it like $10 more a month and I’ll go for it.
http://www.xiphone.org